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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2002

News Release

Looking for a Gift That Lasts?

NEA Recommends Books, Books, Books

Washington, D.C. - If you're looking for a holiday gift that needs no assembly, doesn't require batteries, and has unlimited shelf life, look no further than NEA's booklists. They are full of ideas for everyone on your list: teachers' top picks, a Latino list, kids' favorites, and a roster of the books that some famous celebs like to snuggle up with. (Check out all the lists at the Read Across America Press Room.)

Whether it's E.B. White's classic Charlotte's Web, the loony adventures of Captain Underpants, Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, or Jack London's Call of the Wild, there's a book to fit every one on your holiday gift list, says NEA President Reg Weaver. "The gift of reading is even better when it's shared, which is what the holidays are all about."

To help raise ready readers - and keep 'em reading over the holidays - NEA recommends that parents and caregivers:

• Make time for reading - The holidays are a great time for traditional Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas stories.
• Let kids read you the recipes for holiday treats.
• Make up silly holiday rhymes and word games.
• Let kids read holiday cards to you, and make their own.
• Create a special place for holiday books and magazines.
• Encourage hand written thank you notes.
• Remind kids of all the things that reading makes possible.
• Visit the library at least once during the school break.
• Have the happiest of holidays!

The National Education Association is the proud sponsor of NEA's Read Across America, a year-round program that culminates with the nation's biggest reading event on or about March 2 (Dr. Seuss's birthday). For more information, visit NEA's Read Across America web site.

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.